Quebec fishing regulations 2025. Quebec’s hunting regulations for 2025 bring some big changes hunters should know before heading out. The current regulations are in effect from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026, with major updates like new restrictions on female moose hunting in several zones and changed wild turkey hunting seasons.
The most noticeable changes hit moose hunting in zones 2, 3, 26, and 27. Hunting female moose is now prohibited or heavily restricted to help the population bounce back.
Conservation efforts also update bag limits in controlled zones and tweak hunting periods to protect the breeding season. New wild turkey hunting opportunities and updated certificate requirements will probably affect your experience this year, whether you’re a longtime hunter or just starting out.
Key Takeaways
- Quebec hunting regulations run from April 2024 to March 2026, with big restrictions on female moose hunting in zones 2, 3, 26, and 27
- Wild turkey hunting seasons expand, with more bag limits and extra hunting days in some zones
- Certificates no longer show birth dates, and controlled zones have new bag limits for moose
Overview of Hunting Regulations in Quebec
Quebec’s hunting regulations follow a strict legal framework, updated every two years. The Gouvernement du Québec manages all hunting across 28 zones in the province.
Legal Framework and Updates for 2025
Quebec’s sport hunting regulations get published every two years on April 1. The current set runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
These rules cover everything you need to know: hunting seasons, bag limits, allowed weapons, licenses, and the basics. They operate under the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife. This legal structure applies everywhere in Quebec, though some territories have special rules.
Main regulation areas:
- Hunting seasons and dates
- Weapon restrictions and requirements
- License types and fees
- Bag limits for different species
- Zone-specific rules
If changes come up during the regulation period, they appear in press releases. You can always check for new hunting measures online.
Governing Authorities and Responsibilities
The Gouvernement du Québec runs all hunting regulations through its wildlife ministry. This authority tries to ensure responsible management of wildlife resources.
Hunters must follow both provincial rules and federal firearms laws. The federal side covers firearm registration and age limits for younger hunters.
Your responsibilities as a hunter:
- Get the right licenses and certificates
- Register non-restricted firearms
- Follow zone-specific rules
- Respect hunting seasons and bag limits
- Complete safety training
The government teams up with partners to support hunting education. These partnerships create resources like hunter guides and training programs.
Local authorities sometimes set extra rules in special territories. For example, outfitters, ZECs (controlled harvesting zones), and wildlife reserves can have their own requirements.
Scope of Regulations by Region
Quebec splits its land into 28 hunting zones for chasse au québec. Some zones break down further into subzones, depending on the wildlife there.
It’s crucial to know your hunting zone before you start. Rules can change a lot between zones, based on local wildlife and habitat.
Zone classifications affect:
- Which species you can hunt
- Weapon restrictions
- Hunting season dates
- Bag limits
- Special permits required
All hunters in Quebec have a right to hunt on public land. Still, you can’t claim exclusive use of any territory on ZECs or other public lands.
Private land is a different story—you need the landowner’s permission before hunting. Always get proper permission before stepping onto private property.
Some territories have rules beyond the basic zone regulations. Indigenous traditional hunting areas, for example, follow ancestral and treaty rights first and foremost.
Hunting Licenses and Certificates
Quebec requires every hunter to get the right hunting licences and certificates before heading out. You’ll need both a hunter’s certificate and a valid license for the game you want to hunt.
Types of Hunting Permits
There are several types of hunting licenses in Quebec, depending on what you want to hunt. Each type comes with its own rules and restrictions.
Moose hunting licenses are some of the most sought-after. Most moose zones require you to apply through a lottery.
Deer hunting licenses let you hunt white-tailed deer in set seasons. These are usually easier to get than moose permits.
Small game licenses cover animals like rabbits, squirrels, and birds. They’re the most accessible for beginners.
Wild turkey licenses need special permits and have quotas in some areas. You have to follow strict methods and seasons.
Black bear licenses come with extra safety requirements and sometimes zone restrictions. Some spots need special permits or even a lottery.
You can buy hunting licenses at retailers or online through authorized dealers.
Eligibility and Certification Process
You must get a hunter’s certificate before you can buy any hunting license in Quebec. This certificate sticks with you unless a court cancels it.
Age requirements depend on the training program. Most courses accept people aged 12 and up, with parental consent for minors.
Training courses cover hunting safety, wildlife identification, and legal basics. Course length depends on the weapons you want to use.
Certification codes on your certificate show which weapons you can legally use—bows, firearms, or both.
Testing includes written exams and practical demonstrations. You have to pass both to get certified.
Permit Renewal and Replacement
Quebec hunting licenses last for specific periods and need regular renewal. Most expire at the end of the hunting season.
Annual renewal is a must for most licenses. You can’t hunt legally if your license is expired.
Lost or damaged licenses can be replaced where you bought them, but you might pay a fee.
Certificate replacement for lost hunter’s certificates means contacting the ministry. Your certification stays valid, even if you lose the card.
Updated regulations get published every two years on April 1. Always check the current rules before renewing your permits.
It’s smart to keep both digital and paper copies of your hunting documents. Game wardens can check your licenses at any time.
Hunting Zones and Access – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec splits its territory into hunting zones, each with its own rules and access requirements. Controlled zones (ZECs), outfitter territories, and some islands have extra restrictions.
Hunting Zone Classifications
The province uses a numbered zone system to organize hunting areas. You can find your hunting zone and its boundaries using official maps.
Each zone has its own rules for:
- Hunting seasons – Different start and end dates
- Bag limits – Maximum animals you can take
- Weapon restrictions – Allowed firearms and archery equipment
- Access requirements – Special permits or fees
This zone system helps balance hunting pressure and protect wildlife. You need to know your zone number before you hunt, since rules change between zones—even for the same species.
Special Rules for ZECs and Outfitters
ZECs (zones d’exploitation contrôlée) are controlled hunting areas with extra regulations. You need special permits in addition to your regular hunting license to hunt there.
Hunting and fishing controlled zones set their own fee structure. ZEC fees changed on April 1, 2025.
ZEC Requirements:
- Daily access fees
- Advance reservations often needed
- Specific check-in procedures
- Limited hunter numbers
Outfitter territories come with similar restrictions. If you want to hunt these private areas, you have to book through licensed outfitters.
Some ZECs let you hunt independently. Others insist you use their guides and services, which can be a hassle but sometimes worth it.
Notable Areas: Île aux Oies and Île Sainte-Marguerite
Île aux Oies and Île Sainte-Marguerite enforce special access rules because they’re islands with sensitive wildlife.
Île aux Oies sits in the St. Lawrence River near Montmagny. You can only get there by boat, and weather often messes with hunting plans.
Île Sainte-Marguerite is close to Quebec City. The island shuts down access during certain periods to protect nesting birds.
Both islands require:
- Advance permission from landowners
- Tide and weather planning
- Emergency contact information
- Proper marine safety equipment
They offer unique waterfowl hunting opportunities. Still, the logistics can be a real challenge for anyone new to hunting.
Seasonal Restrictions and Bag Limits
Quebec’s hunting regulations update every two years on April 1. They set the dates for each species and outline daily and possession limits.
The 2024-2026 rules give detailed schedules for big game, small game, and migratory birds. Each zone comes with its own restrictions.
Calendar of Hunting Seasons – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
You need to follow the hunting dates for your zone and species. Seasons differ by zone, with unique opening and closing dates.
Big Game Seasons:
- Moose hunting usually runs from late September through October
- White-tailed deer seasons vary by zone, and some spots have extended bow seasons
- Black bear seasons generally happen in spring and fall
Small Game and Birds:
- Pheasant (faisan) seasons open in October and run through November in certain zones
- Migratory birds (oiseaux migrateurs) follow federal dates, usually September through December
- Grouse and partridge seasons often last from September into February
For a full seasonal calendar, check the official hunting regulations.
Bag Limits for Game Species – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec sets daily and possession limits for all game. Daily limits say how many you can take in one day. Possession limits control the total you can have at once.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Most big game: 1 animal per valid tag
- Pheasant: usually 2-3 birds per day in open zones
- Migratory waterfowl: varies by species, often 4-8 ducks per day
- Small game birds: ranges from 4-10 birds depending on species
Possession Limits:
You can’t possess more than three times your daily bag limit for most small game. For migratory birds, it’s also three times the daily limit after your first day.
Some zones have extra restrictions or closures. Always check the zone-specific rules before heading out.
Species-Specific Regulations – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Each species can have unique requirements on top of the usual seasons and limits. You need to know these special rules to hunt legally in Quebec.
Antler Restrictions:
Zones 6 North and 6 South require you to follow antler restriction standards for deer with antlers 7 cm or longer.
Weapon Restrictions:
- Some zones like Macpès territory only allow crossbow and bow hunting for white-tailed deer
- Certain small game areas restrict weapon types at certain times
- Wolf (loup) hunting has specific weapon rules in some zones
Special Permits:
Some species need extra permits or tags. Moose hunting, for example, requires zone-specific tags you get through a lottery. Certain migratory bird hunts need federal permits along with your provincial license.
Wildlife Conservation and Safety Measures – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec’s hunting regulations focus on wildlife management and hunter safety. They set out conservation rules, mandatory safety protocols, and clear hunter responsibilities.
Conservation Rules and Protected Areas – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
You’ll face strict conservation rules while hunting in Quebec. Female moose hunting is banned in zone 26 except in certain ZECs like Chapeau-de-Paille, Croche, and Gros-Brochet.
Protected Species Requirements:
- No hunting of guillemots under migratory bird permits
- Special rules for overabundant species
- Electronic bird calls allowed only for Snow Geese
You need permission to hunt in protected areas. ZECs (Controlled Harvesting Zones) set entry requirements and hunting quotas.
Bag limits change by species and zone. Report your harvest on time so wildlife managers can track populations.
Firearms and Archery Safety Protocols – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
You have to follow safety protocols for all hunting gear. Quebec makes you take firearms safety courses before they’ll give you a hunting permit.
Equipment Safety Rules:
- Store guns properly during transport
- Wear orange in certain zones
- Keep a safe shooting distance from buildings and roads
Archery hunters have their own safety requirements. You need to show you can use your chosen equipment safely.
Tree stand safety means wearing harnesses and checking gear before each use. Place ground blinds far enough from trails and property lines.
Don’t hunt under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That rule applies everywhere, with every weapon.
Responsibilities of Hunters – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Carry valid licenses before hunting any species in Quebec. Migratory game bird hunting needs both a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp.
Legal Obligations:
- Carry permits while hunting
- Follow zone-specific regulations
- Report violations to authorities
- Respect private property boundaries
Always identify your target before shooting. Mistakes can bring serious legal trouble—and hurt wildlife populations.
Take care of your meat and don’t waste edible parts of game animals.
Conservation officers can check your licenses, gear, and harvested game at any time. Cooperate with them during inspections.
Compliance, Inspections, and Penalties – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec’s wildlife conservation officers have broad powers to inspect and enforce hunting rules. If you break the law, you could face fines or hunting license suspensions. Really serious stuff can even lead to criminal charges.
Enforcement and Inspections – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Conservation officers patrol Quebec’s hunting areas and can stop and inspect you anytime. Show your license, permits, and ID when they ask.
They can check your hunting gear, vehicles, and any game you’ve harvested. Officers look for valid licenses, bag limit compliance, and weapon rules. You can’t refuse an inspection.
Common inspection points include:
- Valid hunting licenses and tags
- Proper weapon permits and restrictions
- Bag limit compliance
- Hunter orange safety requirements
- Transportation of harvested game
Officers work year-round but ramp up patrols during peak hunting seasons. They use foot patrols, vehicles, and sometimes even aerial surveillance.
You might meet them at access points, on trails, or at your campsite. Officers also check meat processing places and taxidermy shops to confirm everything’s legal.
Reporting Infractions and Penalties – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec uses a point system for hunting violations. It’s a bit like the one for driving infractions.
Minor violations get you fines. If you commit a serious offense, you could lose your hunting privileges or even face criminal charges.
Fine categories include:
- Minor infractions: $200-$500 (improper licensing, minor safety violations)
- Moderate violations: $500-$1,500 (bag limit exceeded, hunting out of season)
- Serious offenses: $1,500-$5,000+ (hunting without license, illegal weapons)
You rack up demerit points for each violation. If you hit 15 points, your hunting license gets suspended for a year.
Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation. That can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
Repeat offenders get hit harder. A second major violation in five years means you pay double the fine.
A third violation might mean you lose your hunting privileges for good. Nobody wants that.
Criminal charges can come into play for the worst stuff—hunting endangered species or running illegal outfitting businesses. These cases end up in court, not just with some admin penalty.
Appeals and Legal Recourse – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
You’ve got 30 days after getting a penalty notice to challenge it. File your appeal in writing with the Bureau de révision administrative and include your supporting documents.
The appeals process usually starts with a document review. Sometimes, there’s a hearing.
You can go it alone or hire a lawyer. The review board checks the evidence and decides whether to uphold, reduce, or toss out the penalty.
Required appeal documents:
- Original penalty notice
- Written explanation of your position
- Supporting evidence or witness statements
- Payment of appeal filing fee
If you lose the administrative appeal, you can take it to Quebec’s courts. You’ve got another 30 days to file after the decision.
For serious safety violations, emergency suspensions start right away. You can ask for an expedited review if you think it’s unfair.
Sometimes, you might get temporary hunting privileges back while you wait for the final decision. That’s not guaranteed, though.
If you’re facing possible criminal charges or permanent license loss, it’s probably smart to get legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions – Quebec fishing regulations 2025
Quebec’s 2025 hunting regulations include specific moose hunting seasons that change by zone and weapon type. Hunter education requirements also depend on how you plan to hunt.
What are the new species-specific hunting regulations for Quebec in 2025?
Moose hunting in zone 17 is now reserved for Indigenous subsistence hunting only. This is because of population decline in the area.
Non-Indigenous hunters can’t hunt in zone 17 for now. Always check the most up-to-date zone regulations before planning anything.
Other moose hunting zones keep their regular seasons. Weapon-specific dates still apply.
Crossbows aren’t allowed in zones 22, 23, and 24 for any kind of hunting.
How have bag limits changed for big game in Quebec for the 2025 hunting season?
Area 20 still offers unlimited licenses for white-tailed deer. Both male and female deer with antlers under 7 cm are included.
Most other zones keep the same bag limits as last year. Always double-check your zone’s rules before buying a license.
Moose hunting usually sticks to one animal per license. Some zones only allow hunting moose with antlers 10 cm or longer.
What are the updated requirements for hunter education and safety courses in Quebec for 2025?
Bow hunters only need to complete the IHBC course. You don’t have to take extra firearm safety training if you’re just using a bow.
If you want to hunt with a firearm, you’ll need proof you passed a security course. You also need a hunter’s certificate with code F or something equivalent.
Trapping is a different beast—you need the TMFA exam for that. Each hunting method has its own education requirements, so don’t skip the fine print.
Are there any adjustments to the hunting season dates in Quebec for the year 2025?
Moose hunting dates really depend on your zone and weapon. Bow seasons usually start a bit before firearm seasons.
Zone 1, for example, lets you hunt with a crossbow or bow from September 27 to October 5, 2025. Firearm season in Zone 1 runs from October 18 to October 26, 2025.
Some northern zones like 19 South and 29 kick off in late August. Zone 20 has the longest run—September 1 to December 1, 2025.
What is the process for obtaining hunting permits and tags in Quebec for 2025?
You’ll need a hunter’s certificate and a hunting license to get started in Quebec. Weapon-specific training is part of the deal.
Adult female moose licenses go through a random draw. You can’t use a Zone 1 female moose license in wildlife reserves or Casault ZEC.
Always follow the rules for your chosen zone. Some parts of a zone have unique conditions, so it pays to read the details.
Have there been changes to the legal hunting equipment and ammunition for this season in Quebec?
Crossbows remain prohibited in zones 22, 23, and 24. This rule covers all 2025 hunting seasons, so don’t bring your crossbow there.
Muzzle loading firearms get their own window in certain zones. For example, you can use a muzzle loader in Zone 1 from October 28 to October 31, 2025.
Bow hunting equipment standards haven’t changed this year. Make sure you’ve completed the required training for every weapon you want to use.
